As a Juvenile Probation Officer, I am often privy to confidential and sensitive information regarding youth when in the juvenile justice system. There are cases that stand out in my mind, and others that fade into a sea of anonymity. Whether someone is here for murder, shoplifting, robbery or vehicle theft, every young person, and every victim, has a story to tell. I document these stories, presenting them to Judges, to try and determine a path that will lead to improved lives, better communities, and ultimately justice.
But my hands are tied. Not completely, and not always, but I work within the confines of a system flawed at the core. How do I explain the inconsistencies or the discrepancies? What do I do when someone’s needs don’t fit into the programs available, the consequences are too severe, the needed services are non-existent, or there are no alternatives?
Working for an agency that reacts rather than prevents, we find ourselves constantly faced with parents begging for months or even years for help with their child. These parents have been systemically turned down when their child doesn’t fit the exact criteria necessary to receive services. Every day I struggle to make sense and find answers while realizing that people’s lives are at stake in this venture. But what drew me to this field in the first place was the concept of justice, and to that end I will fight.
Today, however, I have a new perspective of justice. Now, instead of wanting to change individual lives, my vision has expanded to the possibility of changing policy. I have been exposed to the concept of juvenile justice reform, and now what once seemed impossible begins to take shape and form into a tangible reality. Soon, this County will have a new Chief Probation Officer. This individual has the potential to make swift and monumental change. I see the community is removed and detached from this secretive selection process. An underling to the Chief myself, I too am kept in the dark although much is at stake.
We need a chief who is courageous enough to make difficult and radical decisions that will impact the direction and future of our constituents. Let us not forget we are at a crossroads. The future of this County and our violence prevention work could be drastically improved with the appropriate selection of the next Deputy Chief.
I want a Chief who understands the needs of the clientele we serve. To understand that we have no alternative except to begin examining juvenile justice from a racial and socio-economic perspective and acknowledge the institutionalized racism that results in disproportionate minority contact. We can no longer be blind to the facts and “hope” that things get better. It is time to demand a critical examination of our effectiveness or lack thereof, in reducing recidivism, protecting the community, and improving quality of life.
In an arena where the lines between perpetrator and victim are often indistinguishable, we need a voice of change. We need a Chief Probation Officer committed to reform, not just another politician trying to gain status, clout, or fluff their retirement benefits. We need someone is passionate and committed to change, who has established themselves as a leader and visionary: committed to true juvenile justice reform, and with reform comes results.
Untie my hands so I can un-cuff yours.